Yoshitaka Amano unveils a unique, fully hand-drawn pilot for ZAN at Anime Expo.
For decades, Yoshitaka Amano’s iconic artwork has defined the fantasy genre, influencing everything from epic games to classic anime. However, one of his original narratives has remained largely unexplored—until now. At Anime Expo 2026, Amano and his team unveiled the first proof-of-concept footage for ZAN, a bold hand-drawn adaptation of his fantasy novel that aims to break away from the trends of modern anime production.
Deva Zanis is set in a mythical realm where humans, gods, and supernatural entities clash in a battle that transcends both physical and spiritual dimensions. The narrative follows a young hero caught in an age-old conflict that will shape the world’s destiny, delving into themes of fate, sacrifice, and the essence of humanity. True to Amano’s style, the series combines surreal visuals with high fantasy elements, crafting a universe that is as atmospheric as it is action-packed.
This limited series is being brought to life by a seasoned creative team, including screenwriter Ryosuke Takahashi and co-directors Toru Yoshida and Masashi Ikeda, with Tatsuyoshi Matsumoto producing. In a departure from the industry’s growing reliance on digital techniques, the team has committed to creating every frame of the teaser entirely by hand.
The results are visually stunning. The footage exudes a painterly quality, rich with Amano’s signature ethereal color schemes and detailed line work. While the animation may appear a bit rough, this adds to its charm, evoking the vibrant energy of late-’90s and early-2000s experimental animation. Each frame retains the unique touch of the artists, steering clear of the uniformity often seen in digital productions. Influential hand-drawn masterpieces like Kite, Akira, and Ghost in the Shell set a high bar, and now one of Japan’s most revered artists is reviving this tradition.
The commitment to traditional animation was a key theme during the Anime Expo panel. Matsumoto emphasized that the production is “drowning in paper” to achieve a level of detail that only hand-drawn animation can provide, arguing that while digital tools have their merits, this project required a more tactile approach. Yoshida supported this view, sharing his lifelong dedication to hand-drawn animation and humorously noting that despite having a staff with many members over 60, they are eager to demonstrate their relevance.
This project also reunites key personnel from the classic anime studio Anime R, specifically gathered for ZAN. Takahashi succinctly stated the goal: “Put lives into the characters we create,” stressing that original creators should never be outdone by creativity itself. Fans eager for the series will need to be patient, as the final product is expected to take two to three years to complete, with some digital animation likely needed for backgrounds.
In addition to ZAN, Amano announced a second edition of the original Deva Zan novel, featuring a newly illustrated cover. The team also introduced a new studio based in Los Angeles, three years in the making, which will aid in production, along with an immersive Amano art experience that debuted in Milan, Italy.
As for when audiences can expect to see the completed series, Amano kept things realistic. “It’s only just getting started,” he remarked. However, if the hand-drawn proof of concept is any indication, ZAN has the potential to become one of the most visually striking projects in anime in years.
